A MESSAGE FROM KHSC AND PROVIDENCE CARE
I extend my sincere thanks to each of you for your dedication to improving health care in our community. Your generosity has had lasting and positive impacts on our ability to deliver exceptional health-care services to the people of Kingston and southeastern Ontario, and to fulfil our role as a regional, tertiary care and academic hospital.
Your contributions have supported our cancer program, specifically helping us launch our Common Sense Oncology initiative and provide treatments such as Brachytherapy for patients with cervical cancer. This support advances our efforts to combat this complex disease and offers hope and healing to individuals facing cancer diagnoses.
We also recently completed the successful replacement of the CT scanner at our Hotel Dieu Hospital site, made possible by your generous donations. This investment has not only enhanced our diagnostic capabilities but has enabled us to deliver faster and more accurate diagnoses.
Your ongoing support has been invaluable in our quest to acquire an MRI for our new Breast Imaging Kingston site, which will vastly improve wait times. I am also deeply grateful to our donors for their visionary support in helping us acquire southeastern Ontario’s first PET-CT scanner. Once operational, travel to Toronto or Ottawa will no longer be necessary for patients in need of specialized scans.
Looking ahead, I hope we will be able to soon provide a concrete and positive update on our journey to replace and upgrade our aging hospital facilities. As we begin to move forward with our infrastructure plans, your ongoing support will be instrumental in turning this vision into reality.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to you for your commitment to local health care. Your generosity, compassion and dedication inspire us every day as we strive to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.
Dr. David Pichora, President and Chief Executive Officer, Kingston Health Sciences Centre
This past year has been remarkable for Providence Care, made possible by you, our donors. Your generosity has been instrumental in enhancing the lives of those we serve in hospital, long-term care and in the community.
Providence Care is an academic health organization where research funded by donors paves the way for groundbreaking treatments and therapies both in hospital and in the community. Our patients, clients and residents benefit from the latest advancements in medical science during their wellness and recovery journey because of your support.
This past year we marked important milestones like the groundbreaking of Kingston’s first hospice residence. With your help, this was a pivotal moment in our journey toward expanding our capacity to provide compassionate, end-of-life care to those in need and their families.
In addition, construction has commenced on the new Providence Manor, Providence Care’s longterm care home. Your commitment to supporting our vision of a modern facility, allowing us to extend our reach to 77 more residents, will improve the lives of the people we serve.
As we move forward, please know that your generosity continues to make a profound impact on the lives of our patients, clients, residents, and their families. Whether it’s contributing to research studies, helping build new facilities or allowing recreation programming to take place, like music therapy, your generosity and commitment is building a future where everyone has access to the high-quality care and the support they deserve.
Cathy Szabo, President and Chief Executive Officer Providence Care
A MESSAGE FROM OuTGoing UHKF Board Chair
University Hospitals Kingston Foundation’s mission is to engage and inspire people to make investments essential to the exceptional health care provided by Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Providence Care.
Ending our 2023/24 fiscal year, the incredible generosity of UHKF donors from the Kingston community and southeastern Ontario has once again resulted in donation revenue exceeding expectations. This coupled with significant investment gains and under-budget expenses indicates a positive financial outcome to the year.
But what do these facts really mean?
They mean that in a time of significant financial stress for many, awareness of need is heightened and – with incredible kindness and generosity – our donor community has responded.
In terms of our health-care facilities, this has resulted in ongoing construction with the groundbreaking for Providence Care’s long-term care home, Providence Manor and the soon-to-be completed hospice residence. At KHSC, the replacement of aging equipment and the funding of innovative equipment and cutting-edge research has enhanced the care that our community and region receive. All of this positively impacts the work experience and morale of our health-care providers.
Yet I refer to this past year as the ‘quiet year’ – a year of contemplation and preparation for the redevelopment of KHSC’s aging, acute health-care infrastructure.
At UHKF, we are redefining our marketing strategies to support a campaign that may be the most ambitious in the region’s history. KHSC is currently developing its plans to upgrade its infrastructure to meet the needs of the community for the immediate and longer term and it will take a community effort to help it achieve its ambitions.
The planning also recognizes that over this next decade, the continuum – including acute, sub-acute, community and end-of- life care provided by KHSC and Providence Care – must be supported.
As I turn over the Board Chair position to Brett Patterson, I look forward to a lot of ‘noise’ in the coming year. There is so much to do and the demands on donorship and philanthropy will be great.
But I am comforted by the fact that Kingston’s health-care organizations have such passionate and visionary donors in this community and across the region. These donors will continue to support our health-care partners’ culture of learning and discovery, and transform their facilities to deliver the 21st century health-care environment that the citizens of southeastern Ontario deserve.
Dr. John S. Leverette Outgoing Board Chair University Hospitals Kingston Foundation
Women’s Giving Circle saving lives VIA research
Women’s Giving Circle (WGC) Committee Chair Lucille Davies is a two-time breast cancer survivor. She believes she is alive today because of the decades of research that came before her which led to discoveries and improved treatments.
“I really think research has saved me twice,” says Lucille.
Now Lucille and the 90 other WGC members are trying to save lives by funding research today that will lead to new drugs and better treatments for tomorrow’s patients.
WGC members pay an annual fee of $500 (or $250 for women under 40) with all money going to Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Providence Care researchers. Members take part in educational luncheons with researchers and vote on where to direct the WGC’s grants.
In October of 2023, the WGC gave $35,000 to Dr. Chris Doiron, Dr. Amber Simpson and Dr. Tiziana Cotechini to study Interstitial Cystitis/Bladder Pain Syndrome (IC/BPS), a painful lower urinary tract syndrome that primarily affects women, is traditionally poorly funded, and has few treatments and no cure.
The WGC grant is funding a study that looks to find a correlation between DNA of the immune system and IC/BPS which will hopefully provide insight into the cause of the disease.
This latest grant from WGC helps fill the research gaps for lesser-known diseases that normally don’t get much money. Funding early stage research is important because it leads to major discoveries and better treatments.
Since 2013, WGC members have awarded more than $400,000 in grants to 25 researchers in 12 different medical fields.
YGK Healthcare Champions support mental health
to combat compassion fatigue in health-care professionals.
“We often forget who’s actually delivering the medical care and how important they are,” says YGK Healthcare Champion executive Emma Fitzgerald. “Sometimes our health-care workers need help too.”
Sometimes the people who help us need help themselves.
With stories of staff shortages at hospitals across Canada making the news, the YGK Healthcare Champions – a group of community members who raise money for Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Providence Care – chose to direct proceeds from their “A Night to Remember” fundraising event in May 2023 to mental health initiatives for hospital employees.
The Champions gave $10,000 to KHSC’s Stand Up to Stigma campaign and its annual conference
YGK Healthcare Champions also gave Providence Manor, Providence Care’s long-term care home, $28,000 to purchase an Omi Mobile Projection Machine, which is commonly used by people with dementia. The interactive machine projects games on tables, walls and floors, making it a versatile game that can be used by people of all heights and physical abilities. It provides fun for Providence Manor residents and promotes mental stimulation, social interaction and physical activity.
Joining the YGK Healthcare Champions costs $20 a month. Members learn about medical research and discoveries through educational events with medical leaders. Members also get to vote on what healthcare initiatives the group will support.
YGK Healthcare Champions Executive Committee (L to R): Chelsea Rae, Heather Shortall, Greg Brown & Emma Fitzgerald.
L to R: Jean Wilson (WGC), Dr. Christopher Doiron, Dr. Tiziana Cotechini, Dr. Amber Simpson, and Lucille Davies (WGC).
This past year, more than 80 UHKF volunteers made a difference in our community. Thank you for your continued dedication, kindness and compassion!
University hospitals Kingston foundation
2023-2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
CHAIR
John S. Leverette
VICE-CHAIR
Brett Patterson
DIRECTORS
Brent Wilson
Phil Schmitt
Michelle Chatten Fiedorec
Brent Atkinson
Taras Broadhead
Jennifer Curran
John Drover
Karen Humphreys Blake
Emily Leslie Colleen Lawrie
Kate Nelson
Sandy Staples
HEALTH-CARE ORGANIZATION CEOS
Dr. David Pichora, President and CEO
Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Cathy Szabo, President and CEO
Providence Care
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP
Tamás (Tom) Zsolnay, President and CEO
University Hospitals Kingston Foundation
Ian Wilson and Evelyn Maizen, 2024 recipient of the Ian Wilson Award for Volunteerism in Fundraising.
Sister Dorothy Fournier and Sharon Vickers, 2024 recipient of the Sister Dorothy Fournier Award for Volunteerism.
Marje Burggraf and Dr. Gary Burggraf - 2024 Davies Award for Philanthropic Leadership recipient with Elaine and Andrew Davies.
Elaine Davies and Bentley Davidson, 2024 recipient of the Davies Award for Philanthropic Leadership.
B’nai Brith, 2024 recipients of the Davies Award for Philanthropic Leadership with Elaine and Andrew Davies.
Your Impact!
More than 7,444 generous donors supported UHKF.
55 community events/groups raised more than $1.4 million in support of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC) and Providence Care.
Through donations, more than 150 pieces of equipment, with a combined value in excess of $4.2 million, have been approved for purchase by KHSC and Providence Care. Items include bladder scanners, vital sign machines, surgical equipment, cardiac machines, defibrillators and point of care ultrasound machines.
Donor-powered research is taking place in cardiovascular, septic shock, irritable bowel syndrome, epilepsy, bleeding disorders, stroke, and cancer. Donor-powered research is also supporting many other types of research in various areas across the hospitals.
UHKF received more than 68 gifts in celebration of individuals’ birthdays, anniversaries and other special occasions.
Donors helped fund patient care items/ activities for KHSC and Providence Care. Items/ activities include:
• Music therapy
• Wheelchairs
• 3 Wish Project for ICU patients
• Sensory room equipment
• Patient support items:
• E.g. Accomodations, clothing, and transportation
More than 191 staff and departments were honoured for their skill, dedication, compassion, enthusiasm, daily presence and spiritual support through UHKF’s Honour Your Caregiver program.
UHKF received more than 2,670 gifts that honoured the memory of more than 565 loved ones. Together, the gifts total $2.7 million including some very large and special memorial donations.
KHSC and Providence Care staff received additional training in areas such as learning essential approaches to palliative care, nursing, living safely (mental health), and more – all thanks to your generosity!
Staff were also able to attend the Women’s Health Symposium and the National Spinal Cord Injury Conference.
“Honestly, there are no words to describe the immense gratitude that I feel. It is a distinct honour that a family would make a donation on my behalf for the day-to-day work that I do. I have to point out that during this patient’s stay, there were likely more than 500 health care workers involved in their treatment. Critical care is a team-based discipline, and there isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful to be a part of an amazing team.”
Year In Review
• More than 50 community events were held this past year, with the two main fundraising areas being the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Cancer Program. Events ranged from lemonade stands raising a few hundred dollars to large events like the Rose of Hope, Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie and Power of Hope collecting more than $100,000 each.
• The Masonic Association of Frontenac District continued its long-standing tradition of supporting health care in the Kingston area by making a $20,000 donation to help fund renovations to the Burr 4 Mental Health Inpatient Unit, leading to better care for dementia patients. The gift was announced on August 30, 2023. The money was raised through events such as pancake breakfasts and music nights, as well as individual donations from Masonic members. The Masons have previously funded renovations to the Kids Inclusive treatment kitchen and the Cardiac Rehabilitation Centre.
A gift through the Honour Your Caregiver Program is a wonderful way to say “Thank You” to hospital staff and teams while providing much needed funding for equipment, education, research, facilities and more. All honourees are recognized with a certificate! www.uhkf.ca/HYC
• Julie and Jim Parker made a meaningful donation to UHKF in gratitude for the care Julie received during surgery at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). “We wish to express our thanks for the excellent care from the Cardiac Care Unit,” Julie said. “Dr. Darrin Payne and his team’s expertise made me feel comfortable and confident that I would have a good outcome.” The Parkers first made a gift in support of local health care back in 1987 when they donated to the Emergency Medicine Fund. Since then, they have become loyal donors who regularly support local health care.
• The 8th annual “Thank-a-Thon” took place from February 12 to 16, 2024. Over 40 volunteers including University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF), KHSC and Providence Care staff and board members called 1,200 donors to say thank you. The calls were well received by donors, and volunteers reported that it was a fulfilling experience.
Dr. Christoper Frank, Providence Care
Interventional Radiology Team, Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Dr. Gordon Boyd Critical Care Physician, Neurologist and Clinician-Scientist Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC)
Donors help fund state-of-the-art CT Scanner
Good news for patients in southeastern Ontario as a new dual-energy CT Scanner—which provides faster and more accurate scans with less radiation and leads to better patient care—was installed and is now running at the Hotel Dieu site of Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
The new scanner was purchased with donor funds to replace a 15-year-old scanner that had reached the end of its service life.
One use of the new scanner will be for diagnosing and treating cancer patients. It promises more reliable service and less downtime for unplanned maintenance (which was occurring with the older model).
According to the Head of the Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Dr. Omar Islam, the new CT Scanner is an important tool to monitor all types of cancers and is used for everything from diagnosis to evaluating treatment responses.
“Without the scanner, we would not be able to as accurately diagnose and monitor cancer patients from the cancer centre,” says Dr. Islam.
The new CT Scanner has more capabilities than the previous model, including advanced cardiac imaging tools. That’s good news for patients with heart issues who no longer have to travel to Toronto or Ottawa for heart imaging tests. It also means some patients can be diagnosed through a CT scan and no longer require an invasive procedure such as an angiogram. The cardiac imaging program is one of the fastest growing imaging programs, and the new CT Scanner has all the bells and whistles to support accurate diagnosis for cardiologists.
Siew-Li Leaman, CT Program Manager in Imaging Services, says KHSC staff are thrilled to have the new scanner. “It’s absolutely going to lead to better patient care. It’s very exciting for the techs that run the machines and the radiologists reading the images,” Leaman says. “Our (CT Scanner team) are really grateful. All they want to do is provide the best patient care possible and I know they’re thankful for donors giving them the ability to do that.”
Dr. Islam also extends his heartfelt gratitude for the philanthropic efforts that covered the costs of the dual-energy CT Scanner, noting the benefits will be felt for years to come.
“Without their support, cancer patients, cardiac patients and stroke patients in our region would not be able to receive this level of care. These donations directly benefit everyone in our region,” says Dr. Islam. “The impact of these donors is enormous.”
Finances
The information presented here is for the year ending March 31, 2024. The complete UHKF financial statements, audited by KPMG, and registered charity return are available at uhkf.ca.
Fundraising priorities are set in accordance with Kingston Health Sciences Centre and Providence Care plans and needs, and donations that are designated to specific funds are spent accordingly.
2023-2024:
More than $13.5 million in new outright gifts and future commitments was raised through the generosity of 7,444 donors.
Total gifts receipted, including payments on amounts pledged in prior years: $20,853,347.
• Donations: $15,790,678
• Bequests: $3,044,897
Realized Investment and Other Income:
$5,397,466
Total Expected in Future Pledge Payments: $44,091,902
Total Foundation Operating Expenses: $4,983,792
• UHKF and Community Events: $2,017,771 Metrics
APPROVED GRANTS
KINGSTON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE
$10,276,720
Equipment - 78%
Infrastructure - 0%
Patient Care - 9%
Research - 12%
Education - 1%
PROVIDENCE CARE
$13,417,326
Equipment - 6%
Infrastructure - 91%
Patient Care - 2%
Research - 0%
Education - 1%
FUNDS HELD FOR IDENTIFIED PRIORITIES, FUTURE PROJECTS AND ONGOING NEEDS
KINGSTON HEALTH SCIENCES CENTRE
$88,331,878.92
Infrastructure - 34%
Education & Research - 3%
Equipment - 10%
Program Funds - 53%
PROVIDENCE CARE
$27,310,840.51
Infrastructure - 75%*
Education & Research - 2%
Equipment - 3%
Program Funds - 20%
Total Endowments: $21,678,321.88
Funds for which donors have directed that only income generated is applied to a specific purpose.
*Funds held for infrastructure include $9,649,505 for Providence Care’s hospice residence and $9,648,668 for the new Providence Manor, Providence Care’s long-term care home. These funds are earmarked for dispersal when construction is completed.
Nathan Tompkins, Program Operational Director, Imaging Services Kingston Health Sciences Centre
Kingston Couple Commits Generous Gift to Cancer Education
Being diagnosed with a life-threatening illness can be a shocking and confusing time.
That’s why a couple who are long-time supporters of health care in Kingston have elected to make a significant contribution toward educating patients who are about to receive cancer treatment.
Linda Ann Daly and Walter Fenlon have made a substantial gift to create the Linda Ann Daly and Walter Fenlon Urology Cancer Education Fund at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC). The funds will be used to update and organize educational materials with a goal of improving access to information for patients and families.
It is expected that this gift will also help health-care staff immensely in terms of “customer service” and improve support during what can be a stressful time in the lives of patients, their families and friends.
Linda Ann was in disbelief when she was first diagnosed with cancer. She thought she was doing everything right but found out there was a lot of conflicting information.
“Everybody has an idea about what cancer means and how you help yourself,” Linda Ann says. “So it is important for doctors and nurses to have a basket of information that is understandable to support the patient. It can only benefit everybody.”
Education is of paramount importance to Linda Ann and Walter. Some of their philanthropic gifts in earlier years were used to create space in the hospital for continuing education and teaching.
This gift builds on those investments by helping oncology patients in southeastern Ontario, and honours Dr. Robert Siemens, Urologist, KHSC, and Dr. Michael Brundage, Radiation Oncologist, KHSC, who both have played an important role in the couple’s lives.
“We’ve done a fair amount of research on what information patients need when they’re diagnosed with particular cancers,” says Dr. Brundage. “Of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all for different patients: they vary in what’s important to them, what they want to know, how they want to hear that information and how they can process it. So you have to find ways that are customizable and adaptable, so patients can get the information they need to make informed decisions about their own care.
Dr. Brundage notes those informational patient brochures need to be written, designed and printed – all of which costs money.
“So a donation like this allows us to do work in line with what the donors want to see, in a way that we can use the funds efficiently and effectively, and use the money to achieve the biggest bang for the buck in terms of developing our educational programs,” Dr. Brundage says.
Walter and Linda Ann have been involved as donors and volunteers for more than two decades. Their generosity of both time and treasure is helping create a healthier tomorrow for everyone across southeastern Ontario.
L to R: Dr. Michael Brundage, Linda Ann Daly, Walter Fenlon, Dr. John Leverette and Dr. Robert Siemens.
Dr. Michael Brundage (left) and Dr. Robert Siemens (right) with their Honour Your Caregiver certificates.
Providence Care’s hospice residence to open this winter
People who require end-of-life care will soon have access to specialized care in a comfortable, peaceful setting, thanks to Kingston donors.
Construction on Providence Care’s 10-suite hospice residence, located at 152 Phillips St., is nearing completion and scheduled to open this winter. The residence will give patients and families a sanctuary of care and comfort when facing life’s most challenging moments.
“On behalf of the Campaign Cabinet, I thank everyone for their generous donations and commitment to our community by supporting Kingston’s first hospice residence,” says Hospice Kingston Campaign Cabinet Chair Peter Kingston. “This is an essential need for our community and I am thrilled it is finally a reality.”
Hospice Kingston Executive Director Krista Wells Pearce is also looking forward to the opening.
“I’m really excited to be approaching this milestone. It’s been a long time coming,” says Krista. “I want to extend a huge thank you to the donors who played a pivotal role in funding this project.”
The new residence will complement Providence Care’s existing continuum of high-quality, compassionate palliative care provided through community hospice visiting and support programs and subacute palliative care at Providence Care Hospital.
The new facility will provide 24-hour care and support services in a home-like setting for people in their last days or weeks of life, and whose care needs can
no longer be met at home (or if home is not their preferred place of death). It will be staffed with doctors, nurses, allied health professionals, personal support workers and volunteers to attend to the spiritual, emotional, physical and social needs of both the patients and their families.
The residence includes comfortable, inviting spaces for patients and their loved ones to gather or have quiet time. Each spacious private suite also includes a patio for direct access to the outdoors. A shared kitchen, dining room and living room encourage multi-generational activities such as cooking, dining, and visiting while also supporting family and group activities.
“Our new residence will alleviate some of the burden felt by loved ones who otherwise may be trying to manage the end-of-life experience with a family member at home, or in a hospital bed,” says Krista. The opening of the hospice residence this winter will mark another milestone in access to high-quality palliative care for Kingston and area residents.
In 1985, Hospice Kingston was established to provide supportive care to people with a life-limiting illness, their families and caregivers, and those affected by grief and loss. In 2022, Hospice Kingston voluntarily integrated with Providence Care to enhance positive growth in the delivery of community palliative care and hospice services in the region.
Renderings of the new Providence Care hospice residence.
Providence Care’s hospice residence under construction as of May 2024.
Smile Cookie Campaign aids child and youth mental health services
When working with youth who are struggling with mental health or addiction issues, the ability to de-escalate a tense situation is a vital skill.
“It’s all about helping youth learn how to manage those big emotions,” says Nicholas Axas, Program Operational Director, Mental Health and Addictions Care at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
Thanks to the 2023 Tim Hortons’ Smile Cookie campaign, which raised a record $230,085, KHSC child and youth mental health staff have received new training on how to better respond and manage the behaviours of young patients.
“Many times if we aren’t able to de-escalate, it ends up causing a Code White, which is when we have a patient making verbal or physical threats,” says Nicholas. “We find the earlier we can intervene and help patients manage those emotions, the better.”
The Smile Cookie donation also allowed KHSC to purchase several items to enhance the patient and family experience.
Comfort and treatment items were purchased such as weighted blankets, therapy workbooks, art supplies, fidget spinners, specialized toys and sensory items. Patients with autism are frequently admitted to the unit and often use these supplies as coping tools and sensory items as a calming support.
The Smile Cookie donation also helped buy exercise bikes and small trampolines, giving youth a way to stay active and release pent-up energy. There are no cell phones or social media allowed in the inpatient unit, so items such as board games, puzzles, Lego, and Play-Doh were bought and are now used as tools to promote social interaction.
“We found during the pandemic and then postpandemic that kids weren’t really progressing because they weren’t moving through their developmental stages by going to school and learning social skills. So the pandemic stunted kids developmentally,” says Nicholas. “We find that it’s really important to be able to get them to learn those social skills and how to interact with each other.”
It’s hard to find funding for child and youth mental health services and Nicholas says large donations like the one from the Smile Cookie campaign don’t happen very often. Nicholas is grateful for the gift because the need for child and youth mental health services is huge. The outpatient child and youth clinic at KHSC is the only specialized clinic with psychiatric support for youth between Ottawa and Toronto.
“We don’t tend to get major donations like this,” says Nicholas. “We are incredibly honoured and thankful to have this type of support. So a big thank you to the Tim Hortons owners, their incredible staff and everyone who bought a Smile Cookie.”
Sherri Agnew, a Kingston Tim Hortons restaurant owner, is proud to support an important cause.
“I believe that youth mental health services are crucial for the well-being of our entire community,” says Sherri. “All the local Tim Hortons managers, team members and guests worked together to raise these funds and we are proud the donation will have a lasting, positive impact.”
2023 Smile Cookie funding announcement.
New, larger Providence Manor will help meet growing demand for long-term care
Gord Currie has been living at Providence Manor, Providence Care’s long-term care home, for three years because heart and vision issues make it difficult to be on his own. When asked why he likes living at Providence Manor, he simply says, “It’s my home.”
“There are lots of people here you get to know who become friends, and the staff are wonderful. You can’t say enough good things about them,” says the 89-year-old.
As our population ages and medical advancements help people live longer, the demand for long-term care for people like Gord increases.
The exciting news is that construction is underway for a new, state-of-the-art Providence Manor with 320beds. This new facility will offer 77 more beds than the current 243-bed location on Sydenham Street, allowing Providence Care to care for members of the Kingston community in a welcoming and supportive environment. A ground-breaking ceremony on site at 1200 Princess St. took place in January 2024 and it’s expected to be open within a few years.
The original Providence Manor building was established in 1861 and has gone through several expansion projects, with the last major renovation completed in 1990.
As one of the oldest long-term-care homes in Canada, Providence Care Vice President of Corporate Services Krista Wells Pearce feels it’s time for an update.
“We like to say the existing building is past its bestbefore date. The care inside the walls is phenomenal but the building does not meet all of our long-term care needs,” says Krista.
The new Providence Manor will have improved accessibility, more space for socialization, secure outdoor spaces, improved dining areas and naturally lit spaces with areas for spiritual health and worship.
The building is designed to create a sense of community for residents and their families in common areas similar to those found in the current Providence Manor, such as the beloved pub and veterans’ lounge. A partnership with the YMCA of Eastern Ontario will also bring an on-site daycare to the building, creating an opportunity for intergenerational programming.
While many people think a long-term care facility is only for seniors, there is a wide-range of residents living in Providence Manor who have stable medical conditions but require 24-hour nursing care, such as people dealing with amputations, brain injuries or in advanced stages of Alzheimer’s disease.
The government is providing funding consistent with their provincial policy for long-term care homes, but Krista says that the difference between what the government provides and actual costs requires community donations to make the project a reality.
“Fundraising is very important for all health-care projects and long-term care is no exception. We are so grateful for our donors and know we can rely on the ongoing support of our generous community to meet the needs of the new home” says Krista.
Gord is looking forward to moving to the new building and enjoying the outdoor spaces.
“I think it will be wonderful,” Gord says. “Everything is new and it has nice grounds to walk on. If you want anything at the store, there’s Food Basics (grocery story) right across the street.”
Rendering of the new Providence Manor.
Donors help fund southeastern Ontario’s first PET-CT scanner
Patients in southeastern Ontario will soon have better access to state-of-the-art imaging technology, thanks to donors who helped fund a new positron emission tomography (PET-CT) scanner.
The scanner, which is currently being installed at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC), will provide advanced imaging for both adults and pediatric patients. A PET-CT scanner is a great tool for non-invasive detection, diagnosis and for monitoring cancer treatment. It also has applications for cardiac and neurological diseases.
The total cost for the purchase of the scanner and construction is approximately $10 million.
“This project simply wouldn’t have been possible without the support of local donors, particularly Brit Smith and Homestead Land Holdings, as well as the numerous individuals who have made unrestricted donations allowing us the flexibility to meet this need,” says KHSC President and CEO Dr. David Pichora. “I would also like to recognize Ontario Health and the provincial government for providing operational funding for this service. This support is indicative of the growing role that KHSC is playing in Ontario.”
Construction is currently underway to retrofit old office space and a lunch room at the Kingston General Hospital site to create the new PET-CT suite. It is on pace to open in 2025.
The scanner will become one of just a handful in use in Ontario and the first to be located between Toronto and Ottawa. Not only will this help doctors with making initial diagnoses, but patients who are already ill and find it too painful to travel to other cities for treatment will now have access close to home.
“Currently patients have to travel to a larger city to access this level of imaging technology,” says Dr. Pichora. “We have been working for years to bring this technology to Kingston and the fact that we have achieved this goal is a testament to the vision and dedication of our health-care teams.”
The PET-CT scanner, which looks like an MRI machine, uses small amounts of radioactive materials called radiotracers, a special camera, and a computer to look at organ and tissue function. By identifying changes at the cellular level, it may detect the onset of diseases much earlier than other types of tests, like an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) scan. It is also useful in monitoring a patient’s response to medical treatment.
“This new device will meet a growing need in our region, and we anticipate we will be able to support approximately 1,000 patients in our first year,” says Dr. Omar Islam, head of Radiology at KHSC. “PET-CT is a rapidly expanding field. Partnering with GE HealthCare to bring this technology to KHSC, we are thrilled to provide a new service that will have a significant positive impact on patient care in our region.”
Donor helps traumatic brain injury survivors lead independent lives
Carol Wall’s life changed forever in 1981 when the car she was riding in was hit by a drunk driver. More than four decades later, she doesn’t remember the year after the accident that was spent in hospital and rehab. A traumatic brain injury from that accident will continue to impact her life forever.
Seizures became a constant companion, requiring extensive therapy. They were so severe that she was medically released from the military. Fortunately, brain surgery a few years after the accident and medication that she still takes daily has controlled the seizures.
Navigating life post-accident still isn’t easy as she copes with cognitive problems, such as taking longer to process thoughts, and memory loss, which can make everyday tasks a challenge.
Helping Carol make the transition to living independently were the people at Community Brain Injury Services (CBIS). The community service program, run by Providence Care, provides rehabilitation and support services to people with
brain injuries to allow them to reintegrate into the community.
“They work double time to help people with brain injuries. Their door is always open for us,” says Carol. “It’s a blessing that we have these counsellors, as well as my family and friends.”
CBIS has offices in Kingston, Belleville and Brockville, and works with clients like Carol to come up with individual rehabilitation plans to help people live independent lives.
Carol recently made a significant donation to CBIS in recognition of the invaluable role the organization has played in her life and in the lives of countless others. She made the gift through University Hospitals Kingston Foundation’s Honour Your Caregiver program in the name of CBIS Service Coordinator Laurie Ogilvie, as a thank you for Laurie’s help over the years.
“I don’t think I would be able to function and take care of myself if I didn’t have the help of CBIS counsellors,” Carol says.
CBIS Program Manager Joni Hartman is extremely grateful to Carol and all CBIS donors because it allows the organization to offer more services and help more people.
Carol’s donation will help offset costs and provide clients and their caregivers free access to fun activities (like group trips to a museum) and social activities (like the CBIS’s Annual Picnic). These opportunities are important because they help stimulate people’s minds and increase social interaction.
“We’re fortunate enough to see the impact that donations from people like Carol have on the client’s day-to-day lives and improving their quality of life,” says Joni. “These donations really benefit our clients and create opportunities we wouldn’t be able to do without donors. They are really wonderful.”
Carol Wall, Donor.
Community Support
More than 50 community events were held this past year. From local lemonade stands to golf tournaments, health care in Kingston was the winner thanks to support both big and small. Everyone at University Hospitals Kingston Foundation (UHKF) was overwhelmed seeing the outpouring of generosity from donors throughout 2023-2024.
Ride for Dad took place on May 27, 2023. Motorcycle riders of all ages took to the road after some inspirational speeches to motivate all those in attendance. The event raised $37,000 for prostate cancer research and since 2004, Ride for Dad has raised over $1.6 million in Kingston. This cause is more than fundraising, however. Event organizers also encourage men to get checked for prostate cancer because early detection saves lives.
The KidsInclusive Centre for Child & Youth Development celebrated their 50th anniversary with their Run/Walk/Roll fundraising event on May 27, 2023. Participants of all ages laced up their sneakers and hit the streets to raise funds with 2023 being the most successful event yet, raising $59,000. Proceeds were used in various ways, including purchasing equipment, supporting specialized education, initiating new programs and assisting families with the exceptional costs of raising a child with special needs.
The Rose of Hope golf tournament on July 25, 2023, was another massive success. Participants showed up ready for a fun day of golf and to raise money for an incredible cause – purchasing a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) system at Breast Imaging Kingston (BIK). When the night concluded, everyone was thrilled when the cheque was presented and surpassed expectations while beating last year’s record. The event raised an outstanding $387,000.
Outstanding Community Partners
August 9, 2023, was a special day for the Burns family, as they witnessed multiple members take flight and land in spectacular fashion at Skydive Gan. Following a cancer diagnosis, Dave Burns was presented with an important question: “What’s on your bucket list?” Dave was eager to try skydiving and eight family members and friends joined him. Dave was incredibly thankful for everyone who was able to show up in support and help the ‘Dave Burn’s Bucket List Fundraiser’ raise more than $5,000.
The ninth annual Limestone City Car Classic, held on September 2, 2023, at the Kingston Memorial Centre Fairgrounds, brought in $18,000. Over the years, the event has raised more than $100,000, with all funds going towards research and treatment of Melanoma cancer in Kingston. The event is in honour of co-chair Brian Beatty’s late daughter, Melonie, who sadly passed from Melanoma cancer.
It was fundraising “FORE!” a good cause as the Power of Hope golf tournament raised an impressive $141,500 in support of the fight against prostate cancer. The third annual tournament took place at Cataraqui Golf & Country Club on August 28, 2023. The proceeds were used to purchase equipment to maintain the Da Vinci surgical robot (which is less invasive than conventional procedures and results in faster recovery times) and other vital resources used to treat patients living with prostate cancer.
Hope Leyenhurst and Randy Zabukovec raised $1,000 for KHSC and Providence Care by organizing the Thousand Islands Grand Fondo bike ride on September 10, 2023. It was created to raise funds for local healthcare initiatives and to encourage people of all abilities to get fit and active by challenging themselves to one of three routes: 80, 120 or 160 kilometres.
On September 1, Ryder and Jordan hosted their second annual lemonade stand in memory of their younger brother, Declyn, who tragically lost his battle with congenital heart defects when he was just three months old. With the help of parents, Amanda and Brad, and many family and friends, the Mending Hearts with Declyn fundraiser raised an amazing $6,100 for Pediatric Cardiology at Kingston Health Sciences Centre (KHSC).
Under beautiful skies, people walked along the K&P Trail on September 30, 2023, for Breast Cancer Action Kingston’s (BCAK) annual Walk for Awareness to raise funds for breast cancer research at the Cancer Centre of Southeastern Ontario. After the donations were added up, BCAK presented a $10,000 cheque to UHKF. BCAK’s mission is to provide support for breast cancer patients, survivors and their families.
PROUDLY SUPPORTING
613.549.5452
1.866.549.5452 foundation@uhkf.ca
Charitable Registration: 820218147RR0001